I understand the necessity for CL football and how much more appealing it makes our team for potential new players, but in my opinion it is best for Ten Hag that we don't finish in the top 4, purely because of the added stress and pressure those European games would provide.
I know it may sound daft, but against lesser opponents he'll have the ability to iron out mistakes and to clear tactical issues, which I assume won't be possible against the likes of of the top European clubs. Plus, UEL might provide ETH with the chance to win something even during his first season here.